LANSING, MI -- Michigan Democrats in Congress are calling for a change in state party leadership.

The entire delegation, in a letter going out to party members later this morning, will back Lon Johnson of Kalkaska to replace longtime chairman Mark Brewer.

Brewer, who has led the Michigan Democratic Party since 1995, has been under fire for recent losses in Lansing, including the passage of right-to-work legislation that critics say was fueled by Proposal 2, a failed attempt to enshrine collective bargaining in the state constitution.

"In 2012 we were able to achieve some important victories," reads the letter, signed by Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow along with Reps. John Dingell, John Conyers, Sander Levin, Gary Peters and Dan Kildee.

"Unfortunately, we suffered disappointing State losses and we now face many challenges in Michigan with the actions of the Governor, the State legislature and the Michigan Supreme Court. We have a lot of work to do together to change this dynamic and win at the state and local levels."

A Democratic source familiar with the situation said high-ranking party members met last month to discuss a possible change in leadership. Reports also suggest that the United Auto Workers union has been leading the search to replace Brewer.

Delegates will vote for a party chairman later this month at the 2013 Michigan Democratic Party Convention, scheduled for February 22-23 at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

Lon JohnsonLon Johnson for Michigan campaign photo

In their letter, Congressional Democrats praise Johnson as a "strong leader who represents the future of our party in Michigan," noting that he has served in "critical and strategic roles" for political campaigns, committees, advocacy organizations and businesses for more than 20 years.

Johnson, who grew up in Downriver Detroit, currently resides in Kalkaska. Last year, he narrowly lost his challenge to incumbent state Rep. Bruce Rendon.

He also has ties to the Obama administration. Johnsons' wife, Juliana Smoot, served as Deputy Campaign Manager for the president's 2012 re-election campaign.

The push for a change in party leadership comes as Michigan Democrats seek to find a viable candidate to challenge Gov. Rick Snyder in 2014. Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer was considered a front-runner but announced last week that she would not run at the top of the ticket.

Update: Johnson officially announced his candidacy for party chair moments after Congressional Democrats sent out their letter. He explained his decision to run on his new campaign website.

"Like you, I am frustrated that the gains we continuously make on the national level are not replicated at the state level," he wrote. " We have no choice but to pick ourselves up, and forge ahead seeking more effective and efficient ways of winning at the ballot box. I am committed to this. But it will take more than just better strategies and tactics – it will take you."